Yakimovich Programs and Sessions

Sessions offered in the Yakimovich Wellness Centre are virtual or in-person and free.

We hope these sessions:

• Help you better navigate your health and aging journey;
• Increase your knowledge, skills and access to resources in your community and within the health care system; 
• Provide a variety of topics to help you Be Well, Be Secure, Be Connected, and Be Enriched

Download this info sheet to learn about and register for upcoming sessions.

If you require any assistance with registration, please contact Liz McCarter at Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca.

Upcoming Sessions

April and May 2025 

Communication and Aging (Hybrid) 
Date: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Presenter: Sue Decker, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), has been a registered speech-language pathologist for over 30 years. She has a passion for supporting people who have communication difficulties related to dementia, stroke, and other neurological conditions. 
Session Description: This interactive session will help you explore your communication abilities and difficulties in daily conversation.

Learn about:

• Problems with word-finding, speech, and other communication issues related to aging
• Communication and brain function
• Ideas for maintaining communication health

Register for this session

Home Activity Program – SAIL (Strategies and Actions for Independent Living) (Hybrid)
Dates: Monday afternoons, April 28th, May 5th, May 12th, 2025, and Tuesdays, April 29th, and May 6th, 2025
Times: Mondays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Zoom link will open 30 minutes prior to start of session)
Instructor: Liz McCarter, Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention Program, Coordinator, Yakimovich Wellness Centre
Session Description: Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based fall prevention program centered around a strength, balance, and fitness program for adults 65 and older. The exercises can be done standing or sitting. In this two times per week 4-week program you will learn the proper and safe way to do the exercises and will be encouraged to practice the exercises at home.  
Registration:  through Liz McCarter, send an email to Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca or call 250-580-3034 In your email please provide the following information: first and last name, email address/phone number, program registering for and how many people in your group.

Steps to Connect (in-person only)
Dates: Thursdays, May 8th – June 12th, 2025 (6 consecutive weeks)
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Facilitators: Laura Van Dyk, Community Programmer, Older Adult Services, Community Services, Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Alison Chamberlain, Community Programmer, Older Adults, Community Services, Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services and Liz McCarter, Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention program and Coordinator, Yakimovich Wellness Centre, Island Health
Session Description: This program is designed for those wondering about how, what, and where to participate in activities in the community. This is an opportunity for you to identify your interests, learn new skills and try a variety of activities in a fun, supportive environment.
Location:  Gordon Head Recreation Centre, Multi purpose room
Cost: $10
Registration: Registration is available over the phone, online or in person at any Saanich Recreation Centre. This session is in partnership with Island Health, please call 250-216-6006 for more information. You can also call Gordon Head Recreation Centre front reception at or visit www.saanich.ca.

Introduction to Advance Care Planning – two-part series (Hybrid)
Dates: Fridays, May 2nd and 9th, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presenters: Gabi Townsend, Advance Care Planning volunteer with Island Health. Prior to this, Gabi worked with Alzheimer’s BC – Victoria Resource Centre supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s/Dementia, which included sensitive conversations about planning for the future and Liz McCarter, Coordinator Yakimovich Wellness Centre and Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention Program Island Health 
Session Description: We plan our birthdays, weddings and even dinner – so why don’t we plan out health care? Advance Care Planning lets you have a say in the health care you will receive if you are unable to speak for yourself. 

Everyone is welcome to attend this two-part information session about what is an advance care plan, why it is important, how to get started and resources you can use to learn more about advance care planning. Discussing and documenting your wishes with your loved ones and health care providers mean they will be better able to speak on your behalf when needed.

May 2nd: Register for this session
May 9th: Register for this session

Nordic Pole Walking (in-person only)
Dates: Fridays, May 2nd – June 6th, 2025
Time: 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Liz McCarter, Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention Program and Coordinator, Yakimovich Wellness Centre
Session Description: Do you want to learn how to Nordic Pole Walk – if yes, then this 5-week program is for you! Nordic Pole walking helps you gain fitness, strength, balance and have fun along the way. 

Learn how to:

• pole walk 
• be encouraged to get out and walk a few times a week to gain confidence in your skills
• meet people to continue walking with 
• learn where there are Nordic Pole walking groups you can join in the community

Additional Info:

• Poles will be provided to each person to use for the duration of the program or you can bring your own.
• Wear clothing that you can easily move in, wear layers and wear running shoes or good walking shoes.
• A fanny pack or knapsack to put your water bottle in is recommended to bring with you, as well as your wallet and any extra clothes, hat and or gloves. 

What to expect: The first day will be an orientation and assigning poles. After this participants will be learning the technique of Nordic pole walking. You should be prepared to stand and walk for 10-15 minutes - there will be benches to sit on to take a break during the class time if needed.

Registration: To register or if you have any questions, please contact Liz McCarter via email at Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca  or by phone at 250-580-3034 (please include your first and last name, email address/phone number, say “Nordic Pole Walking” and note how many people in your group).

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (in-person only)
Dates: Wednesdays May 7th – June 11th, 2025 (six consecutive weeks)
Time: 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Liz McCarter, Coordinator, Yakimovich Wellness Centre and Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention Program and trained peer leader, Self-Management BC
Session Description: this program is for anyone living with chronic pain or ongoing pain that would like to learn strategies, skills and tools to increase their knowledge and confidence to live with chronic pain.

Learn how to:

• understand and manage symptoms
• deal with stress and difficult emotions 
• learn to safely maintain physical activity and improve flexibility
• communicate effectively with your health care team

Registration: Registration is required through Self-Management BC online or call 1-866-902-3767.

Understanding Anxiety and Depression in older Adults (Hybrid)
Date: Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. 
Presenters: Evelyn Smith, retired nurse who worked in mental health and long-term care. After retirement Evelyn volunteered as a counsellor with Citizen Counselling and worked as part of the Family Counselling team at Mental Health Recovery Partners. 
Marion Mendoza, Program Manager at Mental Health Recovery Partners – South Island. Marion holds a post-degree diploma in Inter-Professional Mental Health and Addictions from Camosun College. 
Session Description: This workshop will focus on:

• learning about anxiety and depression and how it can affect overall wellness
• identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression
• learning about wellness tools and help to build your own wellness toolkit
• learning about resources in the community

Register for this session

Nutrition for Healthy and Strong Bones (Hybrid)
Date: Friday, May 30th, 2025
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Nadine Bartels, Nadine Bartels, interim Public Health Registered Dietitian for the Greater Victoria Area with Island Health, combines her love for food with a passion for empowering others to build a healthy relationship with eating. She is interested in helping support healthy eating across the lifespan and is very fortunate to be able to share her knowledge with a variety of audiences, including youth, young parents, older adults, and other health care professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing with her two cats.
Session Description: This presentation will discuss:

• what type of diet best supports bone health
• essential nutrients to be aware of and where to find them
• whether supplements are necessary  
• the importance of exercise for falls prevention
• resources for supporting bone health and falls prevention

Register for this session

June and July 2025 

Home Activity Program – SAIL (Strategies and Actions for Independent Living) (Hybrid)
Dates: Monday and Wednesdays, June 4th - June 25th, 2025 (2x/week for four weeks)
Times: 10 – 11 a.m. (zoom link will open at 9:30 a.m.) 
Instructor: Liz McCarter, Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention Program, Coordinator, Yakimovich Wellness Centre.
Session Description: Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based fall prevention program centered around a strength, balance, and fitness program for adults 65 and older. The exercises can be done standing or sitting. In this two times per week 4-week program you will learn the proper and safe way to do the exercises and will be encouraged to practice the exercises at home.

Register for this session

Home Activity Program – SAIL (Strategies and Actions for Independent Living) (Hybrid)
Dates: Wednesday and Friday mornings July 16th - August 1st, 2025 (2x/week for three weeks)
Times: 10 – 11 a.m. (zoom link opens at 9:30am)
Instructor: Liz McCarter, Recreation Therapist, Community Fall Prevention Program, Coordinator Yakimovich Wellness Centre
Session Description: Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based fall prevention program centered around a strength, balance, and fitness program for adults 65 and older. The exercises can be done standing or sitting. In this two times per week 4-week program you will learn the proper and safe way to do the exercises and will be encouraged to practice the exercises at home.

Register for this session